Daily Thrifty Tips - April 9, 2008

We are running low on non-pet Photo Contest entries. Do you have a craft or gardening project to share with the ThriftyFun community? Feel free to submit it here:

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Here are the winners for last week's contests.

Photo Contest Winner

Nanuk (Siberian Husky)
By Margaret from Dudlley, MA

Tip Contest Winners

Tips for Campfire Cooking
By Darlene from Fairview, PA

Low Cost Recessed Stepping Stones
By Cyinda from near Seattle

Recipe Contest Winner

Homemade Puff Pastry
By Esther from Baltimore

Thank you to everyone that submitted something!

Thanks for reading,

Susan

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Crafting for Fun and Money!

If you are an avid crafter, capable writer and own a digital camera, you are eligible to participate. Submit your craft projects to ThriftyFun and we will pay $15 for any crafts that we publish.

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Salvaging Beads From Thrift Store Finds

I recently purchased a tank top sweater with beaded fringe around the bottom edge at a local thrift store for $3.75. When I got home and carefully inspected it, I noticed that two strands of the beads were missing. Being the frugal person I am, I decided to remove the beaded fringe and make jewelry from the beads to match the sweater. There were enough beads to create a necklace, bracelet and earrings, and I even had beads leftover for another project. Now I have a cute sweater with matching accessories all for about six bucks and two hours of my time.

By Mom of 1 from Wilkesboro, NC

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Princess (Tabby/White Cat)

Princess is 9 years old. She was rescued from being hit by a car by my teenage son and a friend. She was about a couple of weeks old. My son brought her home and I fell in love with her at once. I held her wrapped in a towel for a few hours that day.

Princess loves to play with us when she is on the stairs in the living room. She looks down at us and bats us on the head with her front paw. She also loves to play with a bottle cap that she carries around like a tea cup, drops it and bats and chases it.

Princess escorts us when we walk down the stairs. When I have cried, she would lick my tears and meow. She likes to sit on my back when I am sitting. And she woke me up one time when I dozed off in the tub. She grooms me on a regular basis. I love her

By bleaue from Burbank, CA

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Frugal Food Tips While On Vacation

Our family has been fortunate to be able to travel to some pretty exciting places over the years. My travel philosophy has always been that the budget should be spent on the sights and sounds that could not otherwise be experienced at home and not so much on the food portion of the budget.

Our first attempt at cutting back on the food budget was by driving our rental car to the local grocery store and to purchase snacks and foods to keep in our hotel room. An unexpected disappointment was that the food prices were twice what we would have spent at home. On a subsequent vacation (to Disney) we were not going to have a rental car, so I shopped very frugally at home for weeks prior to leaving and filled one suitcase with sandwich spreads, pudding cups, fruit cups, and other items that would not get crushed during the flight. DH made fun of me, but at the end of the trip we had an extra empty bag for souvenirs/mementos.

For amusement parks where we would be doing a tremendous amount of walking, each family member wore a fanny pack. I absolutely despised paying $2 or more for a bottle of water, so if the park did not specifically state no outside food, we would each carry one individual bottle of water that could be refilled as needed from water fountains. If the park had restrictions, we would bite the bullet with purchasing the first one, but then refilled it as we go. The fanny pack was perfect for storing the water while on rides and for keeping mom and dad from having to carry all of those bottles for the girls.

To get a more enjoyable go for our money at the amusement parks, we would always arrive first thing in the morning (while it was a bit cooler) and vacation hard until a little bit after lunch time. In our fanny packs we always carried a snacks that could tide us over until we could get back to the hotel room to eat and rest for a bit. We found that by coming back to the hotel in the heat of the day, and when lines seemed to be the longest, we could take a nap or get cooled off and then be ready for the next go-around the park.

After eating an early supper we would head back out to the park rejuvenated, replenished, and with enthusiasm for the evenings adventures. This seemed to make so much more sense to us than all of us crashing around 3PM and only getting 6-7 hours of entertainment for our ticket price. By limiting our times to 9AM-1:30ish and then returning at 6:30-closing, we saved our energy and our budget by eating outside of the amusement park.

By amazon13 from Southwest Kansas

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Remove Pine Sap with WD40

This is a handy tip I learned while cleaning up pine limbs after a recent ice storm. If you get pine sap on your skin you can spray a little WD40 on it and rub it gently. Then wash with soap and water and it will come off completely. I wish I had discovered this sooner as in the past it has been such a pain to finally get it all off.

By Vickie from Dawson Springs, KY

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Dull Scissors

Need to sharpen your scissors? Take a 12 inch-14 inch strip of Heavy-duty Aluminum foil and fold to 8 layers. Now, just cut as many thin strips of foil as you can manage (25 is preferred). Your scissors are now sharp! If using standard weight aluminum foil, just fold to 16 layers and proceed.

By Cajun62234 from Collinsville, IL

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Removing Smells from Jars

This is an old 1940's trick passed down to me by my mum and her mum before her. To remove strong smells from jars, saucepans, etc., put in one or to teabags (no milk or sugar please!) then add an inch of hot water (to activate the bag and make the water deep brown) - not too hot if item is glass or it may crack. In that case you could add half inch of cold water first. Gently stir and then top up with cold water. Leave for a couple of hours - or overnight if the pan does not have a pale colour inside that might stain. Rinse well and the smell will be gone. Works for pickle smells, garlic etc.

By Louise from Loughton, Essex, UK

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Using Credit Cards Online

When using a credit card online, stick to using only one card and use only for that purpose. You can get one that has a low limit, like 300 dollars. That way if someone gets a hold of it, you do not have a big limit on the card.

By Rosemary from Ludlow Falls Ohio

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Link: Using AOL Computer Check Up

Just to keep my computer maintained I downloaded AOL Computer Check Up. It's free from AOL and it takes about 2 minutes when I'm turning off the computer to clean the hard drive, cache, and all temporary internet files and cookies. This helps my computer run quicker and it also has a built in spyware/adware program in it to zap these things before they do any damage to you files. So all in all it works great and it's free!

• http://daol.aol.com/security/computer-checkup

By Denise from McRae, GA

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Spray Wrinkle Releaser Recipe

I have created my own formula for "wrinkle releaser" for my dryer delays. I often don't get to the dryer when it calls me so when I remove the clothing I use this spray to release the wrinkles.

• 1/3 cup white vinegar
• 1/3 cup water
• 1/3 cup liquid clothes softener*

*I buy the cheapest and someone has posted a recipe for making your own softener.

Mix well and pour into a spray bottle and when removing the wrinkled clothing from your dryer, hang the item and spray generously on all sides; not necessary to soak 'em though. Shake the item well and in a few seconds the wrinkles disappear! Much better than the name brand stuff and LOTS cheaper. (I even use it when traveling as I take my wrinkled clothing out of my suitcase.)

I have used it on every type of material -- denim, cotton (even silk -- but test before using on something precious)!

Source: Me, myself, and I.

By Linda from Saratoga, AR

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Ideas for Healthy Snacks

Here are some ideas for healthy snacks.

• Apples with low fat (or non fat) string cheese

• Carrot sticks and celery sticks (refrigerate in a container with water and they'll stay crisp)

• Celery with a peanut butter and raisins

• Nonfat plain or vanilla yogurt sprinkled with low fat granola or crunchy cereal

• Grapes - try freezing them - like little popsicle bites

• Raw unsalted almonds (you'll get used to them raw -- they're so good and for some reason you won't eat as many as you would if they were salted)

• Bananas (yep, the perfect snack)

• 1/2 whole wheat bagel with almond butter and sliced bananas

• Non-fat cottage cheese with blueberries or strawberries

• Chilled orange wedges

• Rice cake topped with peanut butter and a no-added-sugar, all-fruit spread

• Top 1/2 of a whole wheat English muffin with thinly sliced tomatoes. Spray the top of the tomatoes with a little olive oil non-stick cooking spray, sprinkle with low-fat Parmesan cheese, fresh or powdered garlic, and basil, pop in the toaster oven for a few minutes and voila -- you've got a great bruschetta snack

• Broccoli stalks! Don't throw away the stalks after you've sliced off the heads. Peel the outer layer from the stalks with a small sharp knife and you'll get to the heart of the stalk. You'll realize what you've been missing at first bite!

• Be sure your bread products (English muffins, bagels, sliced bread, etc) are made from whole grains, not just "whole wheat"

By Laura from Long Beach, CA

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Cook Bacon In Oven For Less Fat

The best and easiest way to cook Crispy Bacon is to bake it in the oven. It is less mess and the bacon is super crispy. I have an oven pan that allows you to put the bacon (or whatever you are cooking) on top and then a drainer for the bottom. I bake at about 350 degree F and in no time you have the perfect bacon with less mess to clean up and less fat to put in your belly!

Source: My Mom showed me how to do this!

By Karen from Union, SC

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Kent Mango Leave Are Browning

I have a Kent mango and the leaves are browning. Does anyone know what is causing this? Please see photos.

Thanks!

Hardiness Zone: 10a

Robert from South Texas

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Homemade Dog Biscuits That Clean Teeth

I want a recipe for dog biscuits that clean the teeth and refresh the dogs breath.

Chris from Washington D.C.

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Review: Audible.com

Does anyone have any reviews or advice about audible.com? Do you use it? Post your feedback below.

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Bulbs Won't Bloom

Leaves yes, flowers no. Why don't my irises bloom? I have planted well over 35 bulbs in the last few years. Since we don't get a good freeze here, I stored the bulbs in the fridge for a few weeks before planting. They get plenty of water, and have a nice southern exposure. The oldest bulbs come up about February, grow slowly, then die with no flowering. I planted some daffodils this year, and they have spindly stalks and no flowers.

The irises that were planted decades ago in the backyard do blossom most years, but haven't flowered yet. Should I fertilize them in the winter? Why don't they bloom? We DID have a few days under 40 degrees over Christmas, and other places I've lived in L.A. have blossomed like mad! We're at 1800 feet here, with rather acidic soil and very alkaline water. Help?

Hardiness Zone: 10a

Brandy from Los Angeles, CA

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Reupholstering Patio Chairs

I have 2 club chairs (similar in style to pic posted, but the cushions are thicker and not removable) that I found for free. I desperately need to reupholster them because there have tears in the existing fabric, which is an awful design and color.

Does anyone have any tips or ideas for me? Obviously I don't want to spend a lot of money, but I do want them to be more comfortable and appealing. I've never done any fabric projects before and can only sew by hand. I'd really appreciate some help here.

Gypsy Artist from North Adams, MA

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Using Low Soil Mix For Vegetable Container Garden

I'm 23 year old male from the UK and starting to grow a patio vegetable garden for the first time. I was reading one of your comments about using soilless mix or low soil mix, what do u mean by that? Is it similar to our peat free compost? If not, is it ok to use peat in a vegetable garden if your using containers?

bigglesaquatics from Bolton, Great Britain

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Replacement Filter for My Coffee Maker

My coffee maker has a replaceable water filter. The manufacturer wants $14.95 for two of them. All they are is a small bag of charcoal, or that's what it looks like to me. Anyone out there make their own water filters out of charcoal?

Orugun1 from Sherwood, OR

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Starting Pussy Willow Plant From A Branch

Can anyone tell me if I can start a pussy willow plant from rooting one of the branches in water?

Hardiness Zone: 6b

Rose from Malvern, PA

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Super Glue in My Hair

I have superglue in my hair is there anything i can use to get it out?

Cece from Clarkston, GA

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Removing Hair Dye On White Tennis Shoes

How do I get hair dye off of white tennis shoes?

Lauren from Cleveland, OH

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Using 'Kitchen Waste' To Fertilize Plants

I want to fertilize my plants with "kitchen waste" instead of chemicals. How do I use coffee grounds for hydrangeas if used grounds are not acidic enough?

Hardiness Zone: 7a

Dorothy from Munford, Tn

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Making A Paper Mache Owl

How to make an owl with paper mache?

Nikkita

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George Foreman GRV660 Heating Element

Where can I find parts (heating elements) for a George Foreman GRV660?

PWP from Ashburn, VA

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Removing Water Marks From Plasterboard Ceiling

How can I repair water damage on a plasterboard ceiling and wall? This is just stain marks.

Jim from United Kingdom

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Cleaning Oil Off Concrete

How do you clean oil from concrete?

Bill

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Building Frame For Growing Tomatoes Upside Down

I am looking for instructions on how to build a frame to grown tomatoes upside down, including how to secure it, maybe in a hole w/cement, to the ground so that it can hold the weight of the buckets. I will have to do this myself, with the help of home depot cutting the wood and I have never used cement before. Thank you so much for any help.

Hardiness Zone: 7a

Bluegina from Shelton, ct

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Neck Pillow Filler Ideas

I have a friend that microwaved my neck pillow too long (3 minutes). The pillow was filled with rice. The rice burned and oozed out of the fabric enclosure. Does anyone know of a filler that will take a lot of heat and retain that heat. Any information certainly will be appreciated. Thank you.

Fran from Springfield, GA

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Saving Magazine Articles

I find so many articles with great ideas in magazines. I clip out the articles and just have them in piles on my desk with no organization. Any ideas as to how I can organize these to where I can refer back to them when needed?

Thanks!
Cindy from Valparaiso, IN

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Sunscreen on Perspex

How do you remove sunscreen from perspex?

Jacqui from Mudgeeraba

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Treating Damaged, Brittle Hair

Dose anybody know some thrifty ways to smooth, soften, moisten, and beautify my damaged, brittle hair?

Aliesha

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Commode Not Refilling With Water

After I flush the toilet, the commode does not fill up with water. When I turn off the water and then turn it on again, it starts to fill. Is it the water pressure or clogged pipes?

Irmgard from Port Isabel, TX

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Advice On Opening and Financing a Small Business

I am saving up to open a business around this time next year. My goal is to have enough money to buy the building. Can anyone give me any tips on what I will need to do as far as getting the building inspected, getting alcohol license, etc. I need information on how to draw up the business proposal and if I need money to expand, are there any grants for small businesses.

Pam from GA

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Help With 4 Year Old Male Cat That is "Leaking" Often

I have a 4 y.o. male cat (neutered) who seems to be "leaking" all the time. I've felt along his belly and can't tell if his bladder is "over full" or anything like that. I lost my job a couple of weeks ago, and don't start training until the 14th on the new job (so can't afford a vet). When I pick him up, he doesn't meow like he's in pain or anything.

I've stripped the bed down to the mattress because that's where he pretty much is now. I've had him into the vet around Christmas for blocked urinary tract. We had him on amoxicillin and something to help get the bladder muscle sorted because his bladder was so stretched.

His diet is Science Diet c/d and some wet food as a treat every other week (1/4 Whiskers can). Any suggestions would be helpful. I can't afford a vet visit right now... not with like $10 to my name.

Thanks.

Tara from Salt Lake City

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Making Barbie Dress Using Spool Loom

Does anyone know how to make a Barbie dress with the spool loom? Would be very grateful for any help. Thank You

Karre from Hesperia, CA

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Exercises That Can be Done While Sitting

I have arthritis of the spine and knees, which makes it too painful to walk or stand for over 1 minute at a time.I worry about no exercise harming my heart. Is there any exercise that can be done while sitting down that would strengthen the heart and lungs? God bless you for your help.

Debra from Hampton, TN

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Using Aloe On Rosacea

Does Aloe work for Rosacea? Any other suggestions?

Pat from Churubusco, IN

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Stains on a Dooney and Bourke Purse

Has anyone ever had yellow stains around the zipper? It just turned yellow, it is a white purse.

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How to Keep Dogs out of Your Yard

My nasty neighbor lets his big dog do business in my yard. Is there anything that can be used to repel dog? Can't talk to idiot owner!

Hardiness Zone: 3b

Thanks,
Sandy from Olathe, KS

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Earache Pain Relief

You know how you put your finger in your ear and wiggle it as if to get water out or something like that. Well I did that and got a quick throbbing pain. I went to the doctor and she gave me earwax remover. That helps with my hearing but what about the pain. Its been four days now and I don't want to over do it with Tylenol and other pain killers. I've even tried applying heat. Any suggestions? I'm going nuts.

Caneisha from Franklin Park, IL

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Candle Wax Stains on Clothing

How do you get candle wax out of a cotton shirt? I ironed the wax out with a paper bag. It appeared to be out so I washed it. It still appeared to be out so I dried it a little but took it out after about 5 minutes. It's still there. Have I ruined my shirt?

Rhonda from Edmond, OK

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Paint Color Advice

I am looking to repaint my bedroom from an original blue and yellow. My furniture is all a medium coloured wood, and I have a blue and white quilt cover and blue curtains. I have floorboards instead of carpet. My ceiling is an off white. Does anyone have any suggestions for painting ideas that match my quilt and blind?

Katie from Adelaide, Candyland

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Crafting for Fun and Money!

If you are an avid crafter, capable writer and own a digital camera, you are eligible to participate. Submit your craft projects to ThriftyFun and we will pay $15 for any crafts that we publish.

More Information:
Click Here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_craft.ldml

Link: TheWallpaperPirate.com

I am a Pharmacist by profession , BUT a Decorator at heart so 'day job' aside, I started Touch of Re-Touch (using remnants, discards or anything one might think to dispose of due to unsightliness and customize creations!)

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